Storm Déjà vu - Shades of 1995 Hurricane Marilyn

It's 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 29th, 2012. I'm sitting here in my ground floor condo unit at Caswell Cove in Milford, watching the rising cove waters through the triple sliders. The choppy water's almost to the top of the rock wall, separating my back door from water entry by just a few feet across a small grassy strip. I'm emersed in the media coverage, yet praying not to be emersed in flood waters.

I realize I'm suffering from deja vu, recalling my experiences during the September 1995 Hurricane Marilyn while living in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. That was a Category 4 with 250-300 mph winds and several tornados. It completely tore apart and devasted the island, including my dwelling, belongings, and vehicle. And my business? Forget about it, nobody was wanting or needing public relations and marketing for several months - poof! Business gone, too.

To say living through that 1995 hurricane was a harrowing experience is an understatement. Post-storm the island was totally stripped of all folliage, with extreme debris and looting everywhere. No electricity, phones, and many other basics for weeks - stretching into months in some cases.

There was nowhere near the type of advance warning and preparation as we have been hearing in Connecticut for the last several hours, and I applaud all those for this advance preparation and keeping us informed. Ironically, a friend who evacuated her Surf Village condo and came to stay with me suddenly decided to leave and go stay with friends who live inland and on higher ground.

All my neighbors are still here. But now I'm second guessing my decision to stay. The kayak has been dragged inside. I hope my decision to stay won't cause me regrets and an indoor kayak ride later on tonight.

Can you see why I'm suffering deja vu? It would help me cope to read your comments, feelings, and experiences--please share via comments.